#Blessed

Recently, I began a personal study through the book of Ephesians. I quickly encountered a verse that grabbed my attention. Ephesians 1:3 states, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (ESV). We live in a culture that loves to talk about their blessings. If you have any presence on social media, you will frequently see posts accompanied with filtered pictures that include “#blessed” depicting how good life is. Now, by no means am I criticizing someone’s desire to express gratitude over the good gifts they enjoy. Yet, I believe we often associate being blessed with how many material blessings we have.

Paul states how our Heavenly Father is “blessed” and that He is the one who has “blessed” us. Some important statements qualify the blessing that Paul refers to. First, God “has blessed us.” As believers, we are currently enjoying God’s decisive act of blessing us. Secondly, this blessing is “in” or by Christ. Jesus is the means or instrument of our blessing. Thirdly, our blessing consists of “every” or every kind of “spiritual blessing.” Namely, these blessings are divine in nature not physical or material. Finally, these blessings are “in the heavenly places,” further emphasizing the spiritual nature of these blessings from God.

What should we make of these observations?

First, be grateful, since you are blessed by God. Right now, as a Christian, you are experiencing the blessing of God.

Secondly, be humble, since your blessing rests on the work of Jesus. Regardless of successes or failures, your blessing is secure through Jesus.

Finally, be hopeful, since your blessing consists of God’s heavenly resources. Even though our physical resources limited, God’s heavenly resources are boundless and endless.

Let Paul’s perspective on God’s blessing shape how we truly believe what a #blessed life looks like!

Article By: Ken Thompson